Russell Westbrook Makes Career Move Before Denver Nuggets Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 11:23 AM ET

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook enjoyed quite a successful season, helping the franchise to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, despite going through a head coaching change in the final week of the regular season.

The legendary guard isn't the athletic specimen he once was, though his intensity and effort keep him a viable option in the lineup.

Westbrook, on a two-year $6.8 million deal with the Nuggets, posted 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game in his recent campaign.

After completing the first year of his deal, Westbrook is up against a player option, as he can decide where his next landing spot is in the latter stages of his career.

Since being traded away from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, Westbrook has become a journeyman in a sense. While he initially had some star power after being traded, he's fit best in Denver since leaving the Houston Rockets in 2020.

The 36-year-old isn't waiting until the deadline to make his decision, though. According to Marc Stein, Westbrook is set to decline the option and enter unrestricted free agency.

"Denver’s Russell Westbrook is declining his player option for next season to become an unrestricted free agent on June 30," Stein reported on X.

Denver’s Russell Westbrook is declining his player option for next season to become an unrestricted free agent on June 30, league sources tell @TheSteinLine.

More NBA coverage: https://t.co/RG4evmIKfi pic.twitter.com/n53xTbK9EO
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 13, 2025

Given his impact, Westbrook could be opting out with the intention to return with a slight raise, if the Nuggets were able to work that out.

The nine-time All-Star could also be looking at different teams where he can make his impact felt. Given what he's seen throughout his illustrious career, he can certainly elevate a locker room and on-floor presence.

While he isn't the same force that put together a record-setting MVP campaign, Westbrook has a spot in the league still, and he'll evaluate those options this summer, as free agency will begin on July 1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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